EP stemt in met toetreding Kroatië (en)

The European Parliament gave on 1 December its consent for Croatia's Treaty of Accession to the European Union at its plenary session in Brussels. Commissioner Fule addressed the plenary session of the European Parliament on 30 November and noted that a positive vote would be a vote for "for Croatia, for the region and for the EU", and further added that enlargement is in the EU's strategic interest, for its security and prosperity. He furthermore encouraged Croatia to continue its preparation for membership. The Croatia-EU Treaty of Accession will be signed by Croatia and all Member States on 9 December, before the start of the European Council. Croatia will then participate in the European Council as an active observer. The Accession Treaty must be ratified by all 27 member states and Croatia is foreseen to hold a referendum in the beginning of 2012. Pending the completion of the ratification process, Croatia will join the European Union on the 1 July 2013 as its 28th Member State.